John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.