Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
