Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision 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 is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
