Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
