Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
