John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 noted.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
