Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a federal performing arts center began 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. Further context will be provided shortly.
