Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision 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 future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
