Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
