Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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. Additional information will be published soon.
