Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated 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 is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
