Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept 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 named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
