John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based 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.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
