Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.
