John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
