John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 published soon.
