John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed 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 vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. More details will be provided shortly.
