Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary 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 rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
