John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
