John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted 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, 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal 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.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
