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 renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises 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 likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
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 then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
