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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly 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.
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
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