John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined 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 founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. Additional information will be provided shortly.
