Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 tremendous efforts 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 proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center originated 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 provided shortly.
