John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
