Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
