Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 published soon.
