John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to Administration Statement.

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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 continued.

The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Venue

Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.

Inception

The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.

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