Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.
