Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided 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 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 shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
