Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
