🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure 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 decision was unanimous, crediting "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is expected to be extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named supporters in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the historic venue. Original Concept The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.