Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement.

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

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.

The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Center

Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

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

Inception

The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

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