John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
