Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement.

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The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

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

The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Venue

Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The freshly appointed board later moved to elect Trump chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue.

Original Concept

The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

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