John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based 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. Additional information will be published soon.
