Kennedy Center Set 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 approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as 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 dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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. Further context will be provided shortly.
