Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per 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, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The proposed move is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Institution
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
