John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement.

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The leadership 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 stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."

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

The intended name change is expected to be extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Institution

Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.

Original Concept

The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.

This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.