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

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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued.

The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Institution

Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the national venue.

Inception

The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.