Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
