John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve 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 been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
