John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
