John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
