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

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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

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

The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Context of the Institution

Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue.

Historical Roots

The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.

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