Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
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 founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
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 dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
