Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
