Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
