Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted 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 decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
