John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
