John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 extremely contentious, particularly 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 Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
