Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post 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 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 intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
