John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing 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.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed 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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
