John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly 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 Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
