Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
