Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
