John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.

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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.

The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and other financial needs at the national venue.

Inception

The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.

This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.