John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.

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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."

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

The proposed move is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Center

Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.

Historical Roots

The concept 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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be published soon.