John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably 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
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
