Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
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 future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.
