John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, 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.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
