Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic 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 announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.