John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept 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 future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
