Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
