John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
