John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
