Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed 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, 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea 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 future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
