Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
