Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name 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 unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision 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 future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
