John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
