John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post 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 will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.
