Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national 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 dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
