π Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is expected to be highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the national venue. Historical Roots The concept for a federal 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 dedicated to his memory. Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.