John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began 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.
