John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach 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 dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
