Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
