John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online 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 is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
