🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This promises 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 expected to be extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed allies in their place. The newly constituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue. Inception The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.