🔗 Share this article

Image Source

The leadership board of the iconic 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.

The intended name change is shaping up as 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.

Context of the Institution

Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.

Historical Roots

The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.

Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.