John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.