🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Statement. Image Source The leadership board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Not long after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the national venue. Inception The idea for a Washington-based 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. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.