Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This promises 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 expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. Additional information will be provided shortly.
