John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
