John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to 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 shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national 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.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
