Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 published soon.
