Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media 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 promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
