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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
Award-winning investigative journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political and social issues across Europe.
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James
Alexandra James