John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted 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 aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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 then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
