Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
