Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
