Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
