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

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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

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

The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, especially 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 beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and associated costs at the aging venue.

Inception

The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.