John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name 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, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
