Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.

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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.

The proposed move is expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.

Original Concept

The idea for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.

This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.