John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed 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, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based 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 named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
