John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
