John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
