Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media 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 will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.