🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue. Inception The idea for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.