Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept 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 then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
