Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
