Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the renowned 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 announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be published soon.