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 prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.