Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.