John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated 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.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
