John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal 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 named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
