Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 added.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
