đź”— Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's approval was consensus, crediting "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 attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The proposed move is likely to prove extremely contentious, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an iconic landmark since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Venue Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's sitting board members and installed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover major renovations and operational expenses at the aging venue. Inception The vision for a Washington-based performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Additional information will be published soon.