Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
