John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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