John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
