John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic 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, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
