John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center originated 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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
