Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
