🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted 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, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and installed loyalists in their positions. The newly constituted board later moved to elect Trump chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue. Inception The concept for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor. Further details are emerging. Further context will be provided shortly.