John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided 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 tremendous efforts 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
