John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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. Further context will be published soon.
