Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept 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 then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
