John F. Kennedy Center Moves 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 decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
