Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based 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 christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
