John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.