Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed 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.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
