Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
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 planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
