John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
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 future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
