John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post 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 is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
