🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, As Stated by White House Announcement. Image Source The leadership board of the prestigious performing arts venue has voted 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, 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added. The intended name change is shaping up as extremely contentious, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy. Context of the Center Soon after beginning his term, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's existing board members and appointed loyalists in their stead. The freshly appointed board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman. The president later secured approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance extensive repairs and other financial needs at the historic venue. Original Concept The concept for a Washington-based performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was dedicated to his memory. This report is being updated. More details will be provided shortly.