Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national 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 named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
