John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name 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 saving the building."
"This is destined to 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 expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
