Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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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, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
