Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
