John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
