John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement 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 preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, 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 fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
