Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new 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 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
