John F. Kennedy Center Set for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.

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

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.

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

Background of the Venue

Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.

Historical Roots

The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.

Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.