Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
