John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
