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 renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
