Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
