Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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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.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach 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 completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center originated 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.