John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.