John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.

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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

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

The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Center

Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue.

Original Concept

The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.