Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired 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 congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 provided shortly.
