Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
