Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly 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 Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept 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 is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
