John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned 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.