Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.
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The board of trustees 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 approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job 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 reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.
