John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
