🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the iconic performing arts venue has voted 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 decision was unanimous, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue. Original Concept The concept 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 then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.