🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's approval was consensus, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Institution Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and named allies in their place. The freshly appointed board then voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to cover extensive repairs and other financial needs at the aging venue. Original Concept The concept for a national 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 dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. Further context will be added as it becomes available.