Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea 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 future 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.
