🔗 Share this article Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, According to Administration Statement. Image Source The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated on social media that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work 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 achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued. The planned renaming is shaping up as deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an beloved institution since its completion and christening for President John F. Kennedy. Recent History of the Institution Not long after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's sitting board members and appointed loyalists in their place. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman. The president helped procure approximately $257 million in federal funds to finance extensive repairs and associated costs at the historic venue. Historical Roots The idea for a federal performing arts center originated in the 1950s. Following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory. Further details are emerging. More details will be published soon.