Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.

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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."

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

The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Center

Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed supporters in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue.

Original Concept

The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.