John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic 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 approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, 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 Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
