Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "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 attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal 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 dedicated to his memory.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
