John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant 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 decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
