John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
