John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based 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 dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
