Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
