Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.