John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove 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 Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
