John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
