John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
