John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 added as it becomes available.
