Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The idea 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. More details will be provided shortly.
