John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
