Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision 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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
