🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted 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, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially 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. Background of the Center Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue. Original Concept The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This report is being updated. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.