Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
