John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
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 dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.