John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises 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 shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly 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 Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
