Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
