Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed 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 saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
