John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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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 approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
