John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming 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 approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.
