Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
