Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The governing board 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
