Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
