Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national 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 named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
