John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
