John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
Image Source
The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
