John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 added.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 published soon.
