Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per 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 extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
