John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
