John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 provided shortly.
