John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
