Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name 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, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The vision 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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
