Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably 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.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
