Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept 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 future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.