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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue.
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
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