Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began 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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.