Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted 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 vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision 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 future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
