Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from 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 rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.