Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a national performing arts center began 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.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
