🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is shaping up as highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the national venue. Original Concept The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.