John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
Image Source
The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name 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, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
