John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious 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, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center began 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 is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
