Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from 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 saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.