Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name 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 unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging 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 then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
