🔗 Share this article

Image Source

The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.

The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.

Inception

The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.