John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly 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 Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
