John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea 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 future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
