Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed 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 provided shortly.
