John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.

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The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued.

The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Venue

Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed 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 finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.

Historical Roots

The concept for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.

This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.