John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.