Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.

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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to change its name 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, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added.

The proposed move is expected to be highly controversial, particularly 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.

Context of the Center

Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.

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

Original Concept

The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed 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 is a developing story. More details will be published soon.