Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises 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 shaping up as highly controversial, particularly 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 Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations 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 tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
