Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
Image Source
The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center originated 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
