John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.
