Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
