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

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

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."

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

The proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.

Background of the Center

Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman.

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

Inception

The vision for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.

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