John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening 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 allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
