Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from 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 will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.