Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
