Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new 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 vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
