Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
