Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center originated 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 is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
