John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement.

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The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing 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 continued.

The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Center

Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.

The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance significant upgrades and other financial needs at the historic venue.

Original Concept

The vision for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory.

This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.