Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new 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 tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
