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

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The leadership board 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 decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 grandeur and success," Leavitt added.

The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly 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.

Context of the Venue

Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.

Original Concept

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 dedicated to his memory.

This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.