John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
