John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, 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 Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
