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

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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."

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

The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Center

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.

Historical Roots

The idea 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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.

This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.