John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
