Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a Washington-based 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.
