John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based 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. Additional information will be provided shortly.
