Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
