Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, 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 fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
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. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
