John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, particularly 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
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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 published soon.
