John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
