Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national 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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
