John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
