Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center began 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.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
