🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Major Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement. Image Source The board of trustees of the renowned performing arts venue has voted to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the extraordinary job President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building." "This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's existing board members and named loyalists in their place. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to appoint Trump as chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue. Inception The idea for a federal 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 report is being updated. Further context will be provided shortly.