John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
