Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.

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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

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

The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to elect Trump chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.

Historical Roots

The vision for a federal performing arts center originated 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.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.