John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center began 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.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.