Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
