Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
