Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
