Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House 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 stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
