🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided 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, attributing it to "the extraordinary job 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added. The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue. Historical Roots The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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 added as it becomes available.