John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.