John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
