John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
