🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue. Original Concept The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. More details will be added as it becomes available.