🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's approval was consensus, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The proposed move is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue. Original Concept The vision for a federal 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 dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided shortly.