Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new 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, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a national 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 is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
