Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. Further context will be published soon.
