Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 added.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.
