Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
