Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises 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 intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
