Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
