John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per 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, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
