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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.
The intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.
The idea for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
Further details are emerging. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
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