Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
