Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This promises to 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 highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
