🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building." "This is destined 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 intended name change is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Inception The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. More details will be published soon.