Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
