Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
