Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration 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.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
