John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
