John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
