Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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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, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
