John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.