Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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.
