Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.