🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt continued. The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, 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. Context of the Institution Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue. Historical Roots The vision for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.