John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
