John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center originated 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. More details will be published soon.
