John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned 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 decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
