🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an iconic landmark since its founding and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board then voted to elect Trump chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for significant upgrades and operational expenses at the aging venue. Inception The idea for a national performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This is a developing story. Additional information will be added as it becomes available.