John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed 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, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
