John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a national 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
