Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
Press Secretary 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 will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.