John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
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 named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
