John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
Image Source
The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
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 is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
