Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
