John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online 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 is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.