Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.