Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 vote was unified, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.