Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably 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.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
