Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
The vision 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 then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
Film critic and industry analyst with a passion for uncovering cinematic trends and storytelling techniques.
