John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept 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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
