Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
