Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly 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.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
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 named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
