John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
Image Source
The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal 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 named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
