John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by 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 saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 added as it becomes available.
