Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal 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 report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
