John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
