John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
