Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media 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 is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
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