John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated 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.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
