John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 added as it becomes available.
