Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Center
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and associated costs at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.
