John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by 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, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
