Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 provided shortly.
