John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future 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.
