Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned 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 vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
