John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
