Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
