John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
