John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
