Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.
