Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
