Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new 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 decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Center
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.
