Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
