Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
