Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
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. More details will be published soon.
