Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The idea 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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
