Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies 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 significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center began 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 is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
