Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center originated 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 report is being updated. More details will be published soon.
