Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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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.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.
