Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
