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 renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
