John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined 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 expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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.