Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
