John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
