John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
