Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.

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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed 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 saving the building."

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

The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Center

Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.

Inception

The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.