John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 added.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
