John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
