Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.

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The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name 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, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving 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 continued.

The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Center

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue.

Inception

The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.