John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.