Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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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, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.
