John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
