🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving 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 continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Center Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their stead. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to pay for major renovations and operational expenses at the historic venue. Original Concept The idea 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 dedicated to his memory. Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.