John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work 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 planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
