John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal 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 dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
