John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
