John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
