John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
