John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve 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 stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
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 future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
