John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly 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 Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
