John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted 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 decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
