John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
