🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by Administration Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The intended name change is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue. Inception 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 planned venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. More details will be added as it becomes available.