John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.