John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
