Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
