John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
