John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
