🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided 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 decision was unanimous, crediting "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 attain 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 architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue. Original Concept The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor. This report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.