Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.