John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
