Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
