John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
