John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing 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, citing "the unbelievable work 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 intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 added as it becomes available.
