Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
