Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
