Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement.

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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."

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

The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Institution

Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman.

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

Inception

The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.