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 renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
