John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
