Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed 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.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
