Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 added as it becomes available.
