John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.

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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure 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, crediting "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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.

The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.

Original Concept

The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.