John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "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 success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal 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 named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
