Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious 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, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
