John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
