John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
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