John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted 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, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as 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.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.