John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
