John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
