John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as 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 replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.
