John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new 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 vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
