John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.
