Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its 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 approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job 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 noted.
The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, 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.
Background of the Venue
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a national 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.