Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
