John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially 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 Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned 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.
