John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing 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 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 promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
