Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
