John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
