John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
