John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
