Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Inception
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.
