John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees 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 stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
