John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
