John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
