Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
