John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to 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 shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national 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 named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
