John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
