Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will 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 expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
