Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to 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, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
