Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based 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 named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
