John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. Further context will be provided shortly.
