Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal 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. Additional information will be published soon.
