Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic 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 declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began 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.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
