Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new 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, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.
