Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center began 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 added as it becomes available.
