Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises 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 extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be provided shortly.
