John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
