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

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

White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 proposed move is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.

Recent History of the Center

Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and installed allies in their stead. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.

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

Original Concept

The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.

This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.