John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
