John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board 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 announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
