John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration 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.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. Additional information will be provided shortly.
