John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by 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 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 added.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based 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 named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
