John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding 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 existing board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.
