John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
