John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal 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 dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
