Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
