John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
