Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept 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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
