Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.

Image Source

The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.

The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Venue

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.

Historical Roots

The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.