John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
