Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post 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 added.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
