Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 approval was consensus, crediting "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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
A seasoned tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering UK innovation and startup ecosystems.