Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
