Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.
