Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson 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 preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic 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 is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
