🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt noted. The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Center Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board later moved to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue. Original Concept The idea for a national 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. Further details are emerging. Additional information will be provided shortly.