Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious 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, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
