John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept 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 dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
