Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious 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 approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
