John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
