John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.

Image Source

The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.

The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.

Inception

The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. More details will be published soon.