Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea 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 then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.