Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.