Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to 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 expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept 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 future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
