John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided 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 approval was consensus, 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
