John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
