John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
