John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.