Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
