🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Moves for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's decision was unanimous, citing "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building." "This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt noted. The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, particularly 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. Background of the Venue Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their place. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for major renovations and associated costs at the aging venue. Historical Roots The concept for a federal performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor. This is a developing story. More details will be provided shortly.