John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
