🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson 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 prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea 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 named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.