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

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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted.

The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Institution

Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.

Original Concept

The idea for a national performing arts center originated 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. More details will be added as it becomes available.