Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.
