John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.