John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement.

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The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed 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 tremendous efforts 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 intended name change is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark 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 incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.

The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the national venue.

Historical Roots

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

Further details are emerging. Additional information will be published soon.