John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.

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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 continued.

The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably 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 taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.

Historical Roots

The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.

Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.