Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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 future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
