John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept 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 dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
