John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
