John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
