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

The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

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

The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Center

Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.

Inception

The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.