John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media 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 promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
