John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work 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 added.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed 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 is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.