Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as 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 idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
