John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 added.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
