John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
