Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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 published soon.
