John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
