Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the national 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 then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
