John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.

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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.

The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Venue

Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue.

Original Concept

The vision 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 dedicated to his memory.

This report is being updated. Further context will be published soon.