Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work 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 noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
