John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
