John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
