Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson 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 preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
