John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
