🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "the unbelievable work 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 reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is expected to be highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an iconic landmark since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their place. The newly constituted board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and associated costs at the aging venue. Historical Roots The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.