John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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 named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
