Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board 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 declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after taking office, 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 was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center began 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 is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
