Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership 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.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to 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 likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening 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 loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
