Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement.

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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," 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 Venue

Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the national venue.

Original Concept

The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory.

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