John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
