Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
