Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Inception
The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.