John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.