Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.
