Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.
