John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
