Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.