John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.

Image Source

The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts 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 success and grandeur," Leavitt added.

The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Institution

Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue.

Inception

The idea for a national performing arts center began 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.