Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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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 decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
