John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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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, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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 then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.