🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and named allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue. Historical Roots The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death 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. Further context will be published soon.