Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
