John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
