Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.
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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted.
The intended name change is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Venue
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named allies in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Historical Roots
The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.
