John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from 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 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
