John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
