John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to 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 architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.