John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated 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.
