Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably 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 Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
