Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began 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 report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
