John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted 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 decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
