Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned 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 announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job 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 likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.