Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The leadership board of the renowned 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 stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
