John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 added.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.
