Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially 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 Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began 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 is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
