Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
