John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration 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, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
