Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.