Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.
