Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
