John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly 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 Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed 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.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
