Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed 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 added as it becomes available.
