Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
