Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
