John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
