John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially 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
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 provided shortly.
