John F. Kennedy Center Moves 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 voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online 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 is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.

The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Center

Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and named loyalists in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the national venue.

Historical Roots

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

This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.