John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
