John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
