Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per 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, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably 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
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
