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 iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
