John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based 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 report is being updated. More details will be published soon.