đź”— Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Statement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "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 achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is likely to prove extremely contentious, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Background of the Institution Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue. Original Concept The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be published soon.