John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
