John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.