Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new 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 decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
