John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
