John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
