Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The concept 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 then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
