🔗 Share this article John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Announcement. Image Source The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House. Press Secretary 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 reach new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added. The planned renaming is shaping up as highly controversial, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Venue Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed allies in their stead. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to elect Trump chairman. The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in federal funds to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the historic venue. Original Concept The vision for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder 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 added as it becomes available.