John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
