John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
