John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted 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 decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
