John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.
