John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
