John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from 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 preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
