John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the iconic 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 decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
